Maersk Highlights Indian Plans with Vessel Naming in Mumbai

 

A.P. Moller - Maersk celebrated the name-giving of its newest dual-fuel methanol container vessel in Mumbai on February 28 as a part of the vessel’s maiden voyage to India. The vessel, named Albert Maersk, is the eleventh vessel in Maersk’s fleet capable of operating on methanol.

“India is among the world's fastest-growing major economies, with a thriving manufacturing sector, a booming e-commerce industry, and expanding exports. Shipping and logistics are high on India’s priorities, and Maersk says it looks forward to partnering with India on various aspects, such as exploring the potential sourcing of alternative fuels for low-emissions shipping and activities involving ship repairs and shipbuilding,” said Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller - Maersk

“It is a privilege for India to host the naming of this advanced dual-fuel vessel, a historic first for a foreign shipping company in our country, said Sarbananda Sonowal, India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. “With the demand for green vessels rising, India has the potential to become a major producer and supplier of green methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen-based fuels.”

Maersk contributes to India’s growing economy by facilitating the movement of one in every six containers imported or exported from the country and enabling global trade through its integrated logistics solutions. The company’s footprint in India includes two APM Terminals operations in Mumbai and Pipavav that facilitate the import and export of over three million containers every year, 26 warehouses spread across 350,000 sq. m., and a distribution network that reaches more than 80% of India's pin codes.

On the backdrop of the name-giving ceremony, Maersk announced that the company sees an investment opportunity pipeline of about $5 billion in ports and terminals as well as landside infrastructure development in India.

 

 

Today’s Top News – 28 February 2025

 

DAYS TOP NEWS
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1. President Smt Draupadi Murmu has lauded the critical role played by the design sector in providing innovative solutions to contemporary challenges. Addressing the 44th convocation of the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, the president said design acts as a bridge between tradition and modernity.

2. Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda, arrived in Bhubaneswar on a two-day visit to Odisha. He is scheduled to inaugurate the 9th National Summit on Good, Replicable Practices, and Innovation in Public Healthcare Systems in India.

3. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that the state government will provide an additional bonus of 10,000 rupees to the sanitation and health workers, bus operators who continuously provided their services in the Maha Kumbh.

4. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, launched a series of major initiatives by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways aimed at modernising India’s maritime infrastructure, strengthening its global trade presence, and promoting sustainability. These initiatives were launched during a stakeholder meeting in Mumbai.

5. NITI Aayog said that India holds the 5th position among the world’s top economies, boasting a staggering chained real GDP of 4.3 trillion dollars in 2025.

6. Ministers for State Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying S.P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian conferred the awards to the winners of Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Awards at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. This initiative aims to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations for their remarkable contributions to animal welfare and protection.

7. President Smt Droupadi Murmu, who is on a four-day visit to Gujarat, visited the iconic unity statue and offered floral tributes to the Iron Man Sardar Patel. The President is also scheduled to grace the 44th convocation ceremony of the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad.

8. Union Minister of Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal, inaugurated the Bharat Calling Conference 2025 in Mumbai. Addressing the conference Piyush Goyal said that strategic initiatives of the Government of India, including Make in India, Digital India, Startup India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat, are driving innovation, infrastructure development, and economic transformation at an unprecedented scale.

9. The Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjrappu RamMohan Naidu inaugurated the Udan Yatri Cafe at Chennai International Airport. He said that it would benefit all passengers as five to six items like water, tea, coffee, snacks and local sweets will be sold at Rs.10 and Rs. 20. He mentioned that the first such cafe inaugurated at Kolkata airport last December has registered Rs. 30 thousand sales per day.

10. The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, recently announced investment of over ₹4,800 crore for the development of Assam’s inland waterways. This announcement was made during the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit in Guwahati.

11. The Telangana government has mandated Telugu as a subject for Class 9 in all board-affiliated schools from 2025-26, extending to Class 10 in 2026-27. Aligned with the 2018 Act, this move promotes the Telugu language, with the simplified ‘Vennela’ textbook replacing ‘Singidi’ for easier learning.

12. Telangana government launches a free driving training program for women, along with skill development initiatives in tailoring, food processing, and computer skills to boost employment opportunities. This decision was officially declared by Minister Seethakka during a meeting of the Women’s Cooperative Development Corporation at Madhura Nagar.

13. Central Railway on Thursday announced a two-day special mega block from Friday night to carry out extension of a platforms at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to accommodate 24-coach trains. Many suburban and long distance will be affected by this work.

14. A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck many parts of Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Nepal early this morning. According to the United States Geographical Survey, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck 14 km south of Kodāri̇̄, in Bagmati Province of Nepal around 2.36 am.

15. Met Department has issued orange alerts for rainfall and snowfall over Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh for the next 2 days.

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LEGAL REPORT
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1. The Jammu and Kashmir Police filed its first e-FIR at Police Station Khrew, advancing digital policing. Submitted via email, it was registered as Case FIR No. 17/2025. This initiative follows the Law Commission’s recommendations for e-FIRs in certain cognizable offenses.

2. Meitei group Arambai Tenggol on Thursday surrendered 246 firearms before security forces in Manipur.

3. The Pune Crime Branch on Friday arrested Dattatray Ramdas Gade, who is accused of raping a 26-year-old woman inside a bus at Swargate bus station.

In response to the incident, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed an immediate security audit of all bus stations and depots statewide. He has also mandated the removal of all unregistered buses and vehicles seized by transport offices from bus stations by April 15.

4. The police in Prayagraj have arrested a man for allegedly recording videos of women bathing and changing clothes during the Maha Kumbh and uploading them on YouTube. The accused has been identified as Amit Kumar Jha, a resident of the Hooghly district, West Bengal.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw criticized Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin for his remarks against the Hindi language.

“””””””” MISHAPS “””””””””

In Telangana, the rescue teams are yet to establish contact with the trapped persons while efforts have been intensified. They have begun cutting parts of the Tunnel Boring Machine and other obstacles that are preventing them from reaching the spot where they can search for the individuals.

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FINANCE
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 USD ₹ 87 (Approx)
GBP ₹110(Approx)
€ Euro : ₹ 91(Approx)
Yuan ¥ : ₹ 12
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BSE SENSEX
74,612.43 +10.31 (0.014%)

NIFTY
22,545.05 −2.50 (0.011%)
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Rates in Financial Capital Mumbai

GOLD : ₹ 87,400/ 10gm (24 krt)

SILVER : ₹ 1,00,000/KG

1. Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that India’s IT sector hit 282 billion dollars in revenue in the Financial Year 2024-25. In a social media post, Mr. Vaishnaw said 90 thousand patents were filed, and exports in the IT sector reached 224 billion dollars in 2024-25.

2. The government on Thursday appointed finance and revenue secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
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1. The British psychological thriller ‘The Eye’. which stars Shruti Haasan, is set to have its India premiere as the opening feature of the 5th Wench Film Festival, founded by Sapna Bhavnani. The film festival is dedicated to horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films, and will be held from February 27 to 2 March 2025.

The film marks Shruti’s international debut as a leading lady, and is directed by Daphne Schmon

2. Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman (95), his wife Betsy Arakawa (63) and their dog were found dead in their New Mexico home.

He was a five-time Oscar nominee who won for “The French Connection” in 1972 and “Unforgiven” two decades later. His death comes just four days before this year’s ceremony, authorities did not release the circumstances of their deaths and said an investigation was ongoing.

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DEFENCE News
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1. India is set to welcome one of the world’s most advanced multi-role stealth guided missile frigates, Tamal, built at Russia’s Yantar Shipyard. This warship, capable of launching the deadly BrahMos anti-ship missile, is part of the Indo-Russian agreement signed in 2016 for the construction of four Talwar-class stealth frigates, two in Russia and two in India. The second warship under this deal is now ready and is expected to be commissioned into the Navy by June 2025.

2. The Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) joint venture, established to produce AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles, has shown promising results with the delivery of 35,000 rifles to the Indian Army in its first phase.This collaboration serves as a potential model for future partnerships between India and Russia in the defence sector.

3. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi recently visited the Airbus helicopter facility in Marignane, France, as part of a four-day trip aimed at strengthening bilateral military cooperation between India and France.

4. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has received a significant budgetary allocation of ₹9,676 Crores for the financial year 2025-26, marking a substantial increase of 26.5% from the previous year’s budget. This allocation was announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the ICG’s 18th investiture ceremony.

28 Feb (Friday)
Vedic Ritu/ Shishir
Drik Ritu : Vasanta
पक्ष :: Shuklapaksh
(In Purnimanta calendar)
Vikram Samvat – 2081
Month : Phalguna 16

(In Amanta calendar)
Shaka Samvat – 1946
Month Phalguna 01

Nakshatra: Shatabhisha (up to 1:40 pm)Purva Bhadrapada

Tithi : Pratipada/
Dwitiya

Rahu 11:12 AM – 12:39 PM
Yamaganda 03:32 PM – 04:59 PM

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Trump’s tariff threat sparks global race to get copper to the US

Read more at:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/trade/exports/insights/trumps-tariff-threat-sparks-global-race-to-get-copper-to-the-us/articleshow/118591896.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Maersk plans to invest $5 billion in Indian ports and landside infrastructure

Read more at:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/shipping-/-transport/maersk-plans-to-invest-5-billion-in-indian-ports-and-landside-infrastructure/articleshow/118610560.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Maersk plans to invest $5 billion in Indian ports and landside infrastructure

Read more at:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/shipping-/-transport/maersk-plans-to-invest-5-billion-in-indian-ports-and-landside-infrastructure/articleshow/118610560.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Maersk plans to invest $5 billion in Indian ports and landside infrastructure

Read more at:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/shipping-/-transport/maersk-plans-to-invest-5-billion-in-indian-ports-and-landside-infrastructure/articleshow/118610560.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

 

DP World Sets New Benchmark with Record 88.3 Million TEUs

 

Global Expansion and Strategic Investments Drive Growth Amid Red Sea Disruptions

Maritime News Dubai, UAE : DP World, a global leader in port logistics and supply chain solutions, has set a new record in container handling, reporting an 8.3% year-on-year growth in 2024. The company’s ports and terminals managed an impressive 88.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), despite economic uncertainties and major disruptions in global trade routes.

The logistics giant, which operates in 78 countries, now boasts a capacity to handle over 100 million TEUs annually—an achievement fueled by long-term infrastructure investments and expanding trade networks.

Navigating Challenges, Unlocking Opportunities

2024 was a year of volatility in global shipping, with disruptions in the Red Sea corridor causing delays and rerouting of cargo. Yet, DP World’s diverse portfolio and strategic expansions enabled it to navigate these challenges smoothly, ensuring an uninterrupted flow of goods across continents.

“Over the past decade, we have invested over $11 billion in world-class ports and logistics infrastructure,” said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World’s Group Chairman and CEO. “This record performance proves that our long-term vision is delivering real value, helping global trade thrive even in uncertain times.”

Global Expansion Fuels Record Growth

From South America to Europe, Africa, and India, DP World’s footprint has seen significant growth:

• Posorja terminal in Ecuador led the charge with a remarkable 87% increase in volume, nearing 1 million TEUs, thanks to new services by Maersk.
• San Antonio (Chile), Yarimca (Türkiye), Chennai (India), Callao (Peru), Antwerp (Belgium), and London Gateway (UK) all posted double-digit growth.
• Jebel Ali Port (UAE), DP World’s flagship terminal, saw a 7% increase from 2023, further strengthening its position as a global trade hub.

Meanwhile, DP World continued to expand its operations, adding nearly 1 million TEUs through its new ventures in:

• Turkey – DP World-Evyap merger
• Tanzania – New operations at Dar Es Salaam Port
• Indonesia – The launch of Belawan New Container Terminal

A Bullish Outlook for the Future

Despite the macroeconomic headwinds, DP World remains optimistic about sustained growth in global trade.

“As we deepen our reach into the supply chain with advanced logistics capabilities, we are confident in the future of the container market,” Sulayem emphasized.

With record-breaking performance, strategic expansions, and resilient operations, DP World is cementing its place as a trailblazer in global shipping—driving efficiency, connectivity, and innovation across the world’s busiest trade routes.

 

Maersk, Cochin Shipyard ink MoU to explore ship repairs, shipbuilding activities 

Updated - February 17, 2025 at 06:48 PM. | Kochi

Under the MoU, Maersk will leverage its expertise as an off-taker in its global fleet to strengthen CSL’s capabilities, primarily focusing on container ship maintenance, repair, and dry-docking operations

By BL Kochi Bureau

 

AP Moller - Maersk (Maersk) and Cochin Shipyard Ltd( CSL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration opportunities in ship repair, maintenance, and building activities in India.  

The partnership aligns with the government of India’s Vision 2047 maritime objectives and recent Union Budget 2025-26 announcements to position India among the top five global maritime hubs, said a press release.

• Also read: Skylark Drones launches software platform for stakeholders

Strengthening capabilities

Under the MoU, Maersk will leverage its expertise as an off-taker in its global fleet to strengthen CSL’s capabilities, primarily focusing on container ship maintenance, repair, and dry-docking operations.

Leonardo Sonzio, Head of Fleet Management & Technology, AP Moller – Maersk said the first Maersk vessel repair at CSL, planned already for 2025, will mark the beginning of what the company envisage as a long-term collaborative relationship.

Combining Maersk’s global expertise with CSL’s capabilities would help position ourselves to capture a larger share of the global ship repair and building market, added Rajesh Gopalakrishnan, Executive Director, CSL.

• Also read: IIT Madras incubated ePlane and ICATT sign MoU for 788 air-ambulances valued at over $1 bn

The MoU encompasses several key areas of cooperation which include technical expertise sharing for achieving global standards in ship maintenance; exploration of ship repair, dry docking, and new building opportunities; joint training programmes focusing responsible practices; skill development initiatives for both CSL employees and Maersk seafarers.

The partnership is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s maritime sector growth, supporting the government’s vision of developing world-class ship repair and building capabilities within the country. The collaboration will initially focus on vessels up to 7,000 TEU for afloat repairs and up to 4,000 TEU for dry-docking, with capabilities expected to expand over time.

 

Cochin Shipyard weighs joint venture options with global ship building majors for expansion  

Updated - February 19, 2025 at 08:47 PM.

In talks with technical providers in Korea for block fabrication facilities and requisite systems and processes: Madhu S. Nair, Chairman and Managing Director

By V Sajeev Kumar

 

Karnataka Maritime Board prepares shoreline management plan for coastal protection

Updated - February 19, 2025 at 08:19 PM. | Mangaluru

The National Green Tribunal had suggested that the government go in for a detailed shoreline management plan rather than the ad-hoc mechanisms

 

Jayaram Raipura, Chief Executive Officer of KMB (file photo) | Photo Credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

Considering the need for proper shoreline management along coastal Karnataka, the Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has come out with a shoreline management plan.

 

 

 

Historic Washington State Ferry Cheats Scrappers to Become Floating Office 

One of the storied ferries familiar to residents of Washington State for its more than 50 years of service is cheating the scrappers and by a quirk of fate will be saved through creative reuse.  Everett Ship Repair and Washington State Ferries have reached terms to see the Elwha, which was built in 1967, repurposed at the shipyard.

Last fall, Elwha, which had been retired in 2020, was due to slip away on a towline bound for dismantling in Ecuador. She had been sold for $100,000 and a tug arrived to start her final voyage along with another WSF ferry. They got the boats away from the maintenance dock in Bainbridge, Washington, but that’s when things started to go wrong.

According to reports the hookup failed. Then there were reports of problems with the 60-year-old tug that was hired for the 34-day trip. The ferries were brought back to the maintenance dock while rumors swirled in the media that the operator had abandoned the crew which was made up of people from Peru, Colombia, and Panama. U.S. Customs and Border Protection stepped in detaining the four crewmembers and ordering them deported.

Embarrassed by the ordeal, Washington State Ferries reported the deal was canceled. The ferry operator however wanted to sell the decommissioned vessels to free more dock space at its Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility for planned and unplanned maintenance on its current fleet. They reported the two ferries were back up for sale.

Everett Ship Repair closed the deal this week to buy the Elwha for $100,000. According to the reports, the repair yard plans to modify and convert the ferry to a floating office and warehouse space. A tug was due to arrive on Thursday, January 30, to begin preparation to move the ferry to the shipyard.

“The Elwha has been part of Washington State Ferry history since 1968, and we're excited to see one of our ferries with so much history and memories for millions of passengers is being repurposed locally. It won't be the Elwha we've all come to know and appreciate, but I'm confident it's in good hands with a local shipyard,” said WSF Assistant Secretary Steve Nevey.

She was one of four 144-car Super-class ferries. It measures 382 feet and is 2,800 gross tons and when she was introduced, Elwha was considered to be one of the most modern ferries in service. She started service from Seattle to Bainbridge but was replaced by a larger ferry in 1972. Next, she was used to fill in on various routes for other ships that were undergoing maintenance and finally in the 1980s took up her permanent assignment sailing to British Columbia. She became a fixture of the route before her retirement. Two other ships of the class, Kaleetan and Yakima, are still in service.

After sitting at the repair facility, WSF was anxious to make space. They sold Elwha and a smaller ferry last year and reported that another retired ferry was also slated to be sold. The near-miss with the scrappers was not the only close call for Elwha during her long career. She went aground in 1983, with reports her captain steered off course to give a visitor a better view of her waterfront home reports the outlet MyNorthwest. In 1990, the ferry broke away from her dock in a storm and was damaged as she slammed into a concrete pier. There were also reports of several docking failures and problems during its career.

Washington State Ferries reports it plans to offer two other retired ferries, Klahowya and Hyak, for sale to clear more space at its repair yard. Klahowya was built in 1958 and is an 87-car Evergreen State-class ferry that was decommissioned on July 1, 2017. Hyak is a sister to Elwha that was decommissioned on June 30, 2019.